I have just spent the past few days at Harbonne Hall, VSO's delightful residential training center just outside of Birmingham. It is always a delight to spend some time in the leafy surrounds of this former convent.

The time was spent on the SKWID course learning skills that I shall need in my placement in Vietnam. These include a variety of techniques often based upon role play and theatre. I tried facilitating meetings through puppets, a first for me and something I should have tried ages ago, as I have often been to meetings at work that have seemed like a Punch and Judy performance.

It was also a fantastic opportunity to meet other potential volunteers many of whom are going to countries as diverse as China, Rwanda and Namibia. The skill mix and age range was also very diverse reflecting the variety of opportunities that VSO offers to fight poverty and tackle disadvantage in some of the poorest areas of the worlds.

Another delight of Harbonne, is not only the resource centre, packed full of information but also the delightful bar and if this isn't enough there is a charming local pub, the Bell Inn, which incorporates the village bowling green. A few pints of Summer Storm makes for an interesting walk through the olde worlde graveyard after closing time.

The course was fantastic, the company great and the learning super, so thanks to Jules, Hilary and Patrick for their fun approach to training. So who knows when we shall meet next or where...probably back at Harbonne in 2 years time!!